NORTH BERGEN – Mayor Nick Sacco and Public Safety Commissioner Theresa Ferraro swore in two newly promoted North Bergen police officers in a small ceremony in the mayor’s office Wednesday, Jan. 23. Angelo Forese was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant and Roberto Ruiz was promoted from patrolman to sergeant at the ceremony, which was also attended by Police Chief Robert Dowd, other members of the NBPD, and officers’ families and friends.

“Both of these men are excellent examples of the quality individuals we have in our Police Department who work hard every day to keep North Bergen safe,” said Mayor Sacco. “I congratulate them and wish them the best of luck in their new positions.”

Both Forese and Ruiz are North Bergen residents and have been the recipient of numerous departmental awards. Forese joined the NBPD in 1996 and has been assigned to the patrol division and the rapid deployment force. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2008. Ruiz joined the department in 2005 and has been assigned to the patrol division and the street crimes unit. He was later assigned to a joint task force with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

“Our department sustained a number of retirements by superior officers in the past few years and it was essential to make promotions to keep our command staff well-stocked,” said Chief Dowd. “I would like to thank Mayor Sacco for always supporting me and this department and cultivating an atmosphere that allows our officers to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. I would also like to congratulate Lieutenant Forese and Sergeant Ruiz as well as their families for these well-deserved promotions.”